SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER FOR THE URBAN POOR OF KATHMANDU

Abstract

This report was prepared as a documentation of the research and design carried out for thesis regarding the topic Social Development Center for the Urban Poor of Kathmandu. The study focuses on the issues surrounding slum formation in urban areas around the globe, particularly the expansion of squatter communities along the banks of the Bagmati River in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. The goal of the research was to identify effective solutions for slums and squatters for their social, economic and overall development, providing a better environment for the squatters to settle in and to include them into the society. One of the research themes is also the regeneration of the public space that has been lost within the current squatter communities. The research also seeks to adopt strategies in designing locally with the perception and psychology of the squatters with active community participation. The research was conducted using a review of the available literature, national, regional, and international case studies, site visits, study, and analysis, as well as consultation with the thesis supervisor, references from seniors and other scholars, examination of scholarly journals, websites, documents, and reports, questionnaires, surveys. The conclusion drawn from the literature review served as a fundamental underpinning for the case study selection criteria.